Samsung copied Horizon Lock on Galaxy S26 Ultra, but the original creator has reclaimed it
Source: Android Authority
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Vivo has brought a Horizon Lock video mode to the X300 Ultra as part of a software update.
- The feature was previously available on older Vivo phones before it disappeared for a few generations.
- The update arrives a couple of months after Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra launched with the same mode.
Samsung’s Horizon Lock
Samsung introduced a fancy Horizon Lock video stabilization mode on the Galaxy S26 Ultra earlier this year. The mode keeps video steady even when the phone is jostled or rotated dramatically.
Vivo revives the feature
The first Vivo phone with Horizon Lock debuted in 2021, but the company dropped it after a couple of generations. Motorola also offered the feature in the early 2020s. Now, Vivo has quietly revived Horizon Lock on its latest flagship, the X300 Ultra.
How it works
- Uses the ultrawide camera.
- Keeps video super‑steady during motion or orientation changes.
- Limits output to 1080p @ 60 fps (Samsung’s implementation supports up to 4K).
- Restricted to the default Vivid color profile.
Vivo first showcased Horizon Lock on the X70 Pro Plus, delivering rock‑steady stabilization even with 360° rotations. Motorola’s Edge series also featured the mode in 2023.
Other notable X300 Ultra updates
- Log video recording to external storage – similar to capabilities on Apple and Samsung devices.
- Dolly Zoom effect for live photos in Portrait mode.
- New Natural color profile (replacing the previous Authentic option).
Telephoto enhancement toggle
A new telephoto enhancement appears as a viewfinder toggle during long‑range zoom. This toggle enables cloud‑based telephoto enhancements, whereas the existing Super Telephoto Enhancement toggle relies on on‑device AI. It remains unclear what specific cloud‑based adjustments are applied or whether generative AI is involved.
Read the full article on Android Authority for more details and sample videos.